Paraloricaria agastor facts for kids

Paraloricaria agastor is a special type of armored catfish. It's a freshwater fish found in the rivers of Argentina and Paraguay. Specifically, you can find it swimming in the Paraguay River basin. This fish is quite small, growing to about 10.8 centimeters (around 4.25 inches) long, which is measured from its snout to the base of its tail.

What is an Armored Catfish?

Paraloricaria agastor is called an "armored catfish" because it has bony plates covering its body. These plates act like a suit of armor, protecting it from predators. Unlike many fish that have scales, these catfish have tough, overlapping plates. This makes them look very unique!

Where Does It Live?

This fish lives in the Paraguay River basin. This river system is a huge network of rivers and streams in South America. The water in these areas can vary, but Paraloricaria agastor is adapted to its specific environment. It often lives near the bottom of rivers, where it can find food and shelter.

What Does It Eat?

Like many catfish, Paraloricaria agastor is likely a bottom-feeder. This means it searches for its food on the riverbed. It probably eats small insects, tiny crustaceans, and plant matter. Its mouth is designed to help it scrape food from rocks and submerged logs.

Life and Habits

Paraloricaria agastor is a shy fish. It often hides among rocks or plants during the day. This helps it stay safe from larger fish that might want to eat it. At night, it becomes more active, searching for food.

Reproduction

The reproduction of Paraloricaria agastor is similar to other armored catfish. They usually lay their eggs on flat surfaces, like rocks or submerged wood. The parents, often the male, will guard the eggs until they hatch. This protection helps the young fish survive their early, vulnerable stages.

How It Stays Safe

Besides its armor, this catfish has other ways to protect itself. Its dull colors help it blend in with the river bottom. This camouflage makes it harder for predators to spot. Its small size also allows it to hide in tight spaces where bigger fish cannot follow.

Discovery and Naming

This species was first described by a scientist named Isaäc J. H. Isbrücker in 1979. When a new species is found, scientists give it a unique name. This name helps everyone know exactly which animal they are talking about. The name Paraloricaria agastor helps classify it within the larger group of Loricariidae fish.

See also

In Spanish: Paraloricaria agastor para niños